How long will the starters actually play? Sparano didn’t pull any punches on Tuesday when talking about his team’s performance in the previous preseason game against Atlanta. “We stunk,” Sparano said. “I didn’t like any of it.” Ergo, even though the fourth preseason time is usually less strenuous for the starters than a game of shuffleboard, Sparano said the starters will play against Dallas until he is satisfied with their performance. Will that mean one series? One quarter? Either way, the Dolphins need the practice as the preseason winds down.

Chad Henne and the receivers: Henne has had 11 passes dropped through three preseason games. That will eventually correct itself, right? Right?

Where’s the pass rush? The Dolphins have all of three sacks this preseason, and only one by a starter (Randy Starks). Atlanta’s Matt Ryan emerged from last Friday’s game basically untouched and spot-free.

Final roster battles: The Dolphins really only have six open roster spots still up for grabs entering this final preseason game. They have a little roster flexibility, but there could be two spots on the offensive line, two on the defensive line, one at linebacker and one at cornerback on the line today. Will Jason Allen hold off Nate Ness? Who will win at middle linebacker – Micah Johnson, Austin Spitler or J.D. Folsom? Is the Dolphins’ answer for the final two offensive line spots on the roster, or playing somewhere else?

Cornerback Sean Smith: His shaky preseason came to a head last Friday. First he was benched for violating a team rule, then was flat-out burned on a double-move by Roddy White. The Dolphins are counting on Smith to lock down one of the starting cornerback jobs. He certainly could use a better performance this week.